3 2 Review This document will be reviewed twenty four months from its issue date. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 3 of 13

4 3 Table Of Contents 1 Version Control Review Table Of Contents Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Statement Introduction Intended Audience Related Policies Legislation Scope Purpose of this document Definitions Responsibilities Organisational Use of Social Media Personal Use of Social Media Personal Use Of Social Media During Working Hours Monitoring Review Policy Monitoring Guidance Social Networking Do s and Don ts Further Information Professional Guidance Appendix A - Staff Signature Sheet Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 4 of 13

5 4 Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Statement The Trust is committed to promoting human rights and providing equality of opportunity, not only in our employment practices but also in the way we provide services. The Trust also values and respects the diversity of our employees and the communities we serve. In applying this policy, the Trust will have due regard for the need to: Promote human rights Eliminate unlawful discrimination Promote equality of opportunity Provide for good relations between people of diverse groups Consider providing more favourable treatment for people with disabilities 5 Introduction The widespread availability and use of social networking sites brings opportunities for the Trust to understand, engage and communicate more effectively with our audiences in new ways. It is important that we are able to use these technologies and services effectively, however it is also important to ensure that we maintain our legal responsibilities and our reputation. This policy and guidance document will identify the process by which employees may establish and use social media applications on behalf of the Trust and will also provide guidance as to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour when using personal sites. South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust acknowledges the right of all staff to freedom of expression and recognises that all staff are entitled to use social media in a personal capacity. This policy is not designed to stop staff from conducting legitimate activities via social media but provides up to date guidance to avoid potential problems arising for both individual staff members and the Trust. Staff who post comments or information online regarding the Trust, or the NHS, are personally responsible for their actions and the online content they have created. As such, if the content is damaging to the reputation of the Trust or wider NHS, the individual will be liable. Staff should follow the same behavioural standards online as they would in their everyday roles and abide by their legal and ethical duties to protect patient/service user confidentiality. Throughout this document, sentences that contain the verb MUST indicate that the requirement is mandatory. Sentences that contain the verb SHOULD indicate that the requirement may be adapted for local need. Further advice and guidance in relation to the policy is available from the Trust Chief Information Security & Governance Officer James Carroll. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 5 of 13

6 6 Intended Audience All South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust staff including temporary workers, locums and staff seconded or contracted from other organisations. 7 Related Policies The following is a list of policies related to this policy. These policies SHOULD be read together with this policy 8 Legislation 9 Scope Information Governance Policy, IM&T Security policy, Confidentiality Policy, Confidentiality code of Conduct Data Protection and Information Handling Policy. Internet Access Acceptable Use Policy Disciplinary Policy Equality & Diversity policy Bullying and Harassment Policy Use of Social Media in the UK is covered by the following legislation: Common Law Duty of Confidentialilty Data Protection Act 1998 Malicious Communications Act 1988 Communications Act 2003 Defamation Act 2013 This Policy applies to all South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust staff (including temporary workers, locums and staff seconded or contracted from other organisations). It covers the use of social networking applications used for Trust related purposes and personal use. The guidance is provided to assist staff in ensuring that they act appropriately when using such sites. Any breach of or refusal to comply with the policy elements may be a disciplinary offence which may lead to disciplinary action in accordance with the organisations Disciplinary Policy. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 6 of 13

7 10 Purpose of this document The Purpose of this policy document is to establish rules and guidance for employees on the acceptable use of social media and outline expected behaviour and to: 11 Definitions protect information from accidental disclosure through oversight ensure that the Trust is not exposed to legal and governance risks ensure that the reputation of the Trust is not adversely affected provide guidance to staff in the appropriate and acceptable use of Social Media. Social media is the term commonly used for websites which allow people to interact with each other in some way, by sharing information, opinions, knowledge and interests. As the name implies, social media involves the building of online communities or networks, encouraging participation and engagement. Social networking is the use of interactive web based sites or social media sites, allowing individuals on-line interactions that mimic the interactions between people with similar interests that occur in life. Websites (such as Facebook, bebo and MySpace) are perhaps the most well known examples of social media, but the term covers other web-based services. Examples include Blogs (a contraction of the term web log), audio and video podcasts, wikis (such as Wikipedia), message boards, social bookmarking websites (such as del.icio.us), photo, document and video content sharing websites (such as flickr and YouTube), or micro-blogging services (such as twitter or jaiku). Blogging or Tweeting is using public websites to write an on-line diary (known as a blog) or sharing thoughts and opinions on various subjects. Blogs and Tweets are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events and may include other material such as video. 12 Responsibilities All staff MUST ensure that they are aware of their duties and responsibilities in relation to the policy and guidance. Staff MUST report any suspected infringement of this policy as soon as they become aware of the circumstances via the Trust incident reporting processes. Managers are responsible for implementing the policy within their business areas, and for adherence to the policy by their staff. It is the responsibility of each employee, including temporary and contract staff, to adhere to this policy. Any breach of or refusal to comply with this policy is a disciplinary offence which may lead to disciplinary action in accordance with The Trust Disciplinary Policy. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 7 of 13

8 13 Organisational Use of Social Media Any proposal to use social networking sites (whether hosted by the Trust or a third party) as part of a Trust service MUST be approved by the Information Strategy Group. Submissions must be made in writing to the Group, explaining the purpose, business case and rationale for setting up the site. Approved Social Networking sites must be operated in accordance with the following : Approved sites MUST be created using account. The area / team creating the site MUST identify a named site administrator and inform the IT Service Desk of who this individual is. The site administrator will be responsible for all content on the site. Approved sites MUST display the Trust Logo. Contributions made by employees MUST be professional and uphold the reputation of the Trust. Content of the site MUST NOT reveal confidential information about our patients, staff, or the Trust. If you do, you breach the individuals right to privacy as defined by Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998, requirements under the Data Protection Act 1998, the NHS confidentiality Code of Practice, your employment contract and your Professional Code of Practice Staff MUST NOT engage in activities on the Internet which might bring the Trust into disrepute or damage its reputation. Trust approved sites MUST NOT be used for party political purposes or to promote specific causes. Trust sites MUST NOT be used for the promotion of personal financial interests, commercial campaigns or personal campaigns. Sites MUST NOT be used in any way to attack or abuse colleagues. Staff MUST NOT display or post defamatory, derogatory or offensive comments about colleagues, patients, their work or the Trust. Trust confidential business information MUST NOT be posted to such sites. Staff MUST NOT post / add content to sites any confidential information about patients/service users or relatives of service users. Staff MUST NOT post images of patients / service users to Trust social media sites without explicit written consent. Content of any kind published via social media channels MUST NOT contradict, undermine or be in conflict with any clinical practice, methods or care approaches advocated by the Trust If a staff member is contacted by the media about posts they have made on a social networking site that has been established for business purposes they MUST inform their line manager who will liaise with the Trust communications team to provide a response. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 8 of 13

9 14 Personal Use of Social Media The types of media described above provide a number of benefits in which Trust staff may wish to participate in their personal life. However, when someone clearly identifies their association with the Trust and/or discusses their work, they are expected to behave appropriately, and in ways that are consistent with the Trust s values and policies, their individual responsibility as a Trust employee, and with the relevant professional codes of conduct for healthcare professionals. All staff should be aware that the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 gives legal protection to employees who wish to whistleblow any concerns. The Act makes it clear that the process of whistleblowing or speaking up normally involves raising the issue internally first. Using social media to whistleblow without already having followed the Trust Raising Concerns at Work Policy (Whistleblowing Policy) would not be appropriate. If you identify yourself as an employees of the Trust by displaying your Trust or NHS.net address, by joining an NHS or Trust related network or group or by making reference to the Trust as your employer, you are expected to behave appropriately and in line with the Trust s wider values and policies. You MUST take account of all relevant legislation covering personal confidentiality such as the Common Law Duty Of Confidentiality and the Data Protection Act Every member of staff carries individual responsibility as an NHS employee and in line with professional codes of conduct and when using social media you; MUST not reveal confidential information about patients / service users. If you do, you breach your employment contract and may commit an offence under the Data Protection Act MUST not engage in activities or post comments which might bring the Trust or NHS into disrepute. MUST not post defamatory, derogatory or offensive comments about colleagues, patients/service users or the Trust MUST not post images of patients/service users on personal sites. SHOULD not accept friend requests from current or former patients/service users. Instead politely refuse and explain that it would be inappropriate. 15 Personal Use Of Social Media During Working Hours Access to personal social media sites from Trust owned computers is not permitted in line with the requirements of the Trust Internet Access Acceptable use policy. Access to the Internet is monitored by the Trust and excessive or inappropriate use may lead to disciplinary action in line with the Trust Disciplinary Policy. Where staff access social media sites during working hours on their own personal devices, this access SHOULD be restricted to authorised break times. Where the Trust identifies excessive use that impacts on an employees performance of their duties, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action in line with the Trust Disciplinary Policy. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 9 of 13

10 16 Monitoring The use of social media sites will be monitored for compliance with this policy by members of staff within the Communication Team, supervised by the Communication Lead, or by members of the Information Governance team. Monitoring may be via routine processes or as a result of specific requests for investigation into a particular matter. Where staff believe that content uploaded to a Trust site is inappropriate they MUST inform the IT Service Desk as soon as possible. The IT Service Desk will contact the site administrator to review/remove content. The Trust will not routinely monitor personal sites created by employees, however staff should be aware that if the Trust identifies personal sites that contain inappropriate material relating to the Trust or Trust confidential information, disciplinary / legal action may be taken against the individual(s) responsible. Staff MUST remember that making inappropriate or offensive comments about co-workers on their personal sites can be classed as bullying and harassment and that the Trust can be held vicariously liable for their actions. The employee may then be subject to disciplinary action in line with the Trust Harassment and Bullying Policy and Disciplinary Policy. 17 Review The Information Security Working Group is responsible for ensuring this policy is maintained, reviewed and agreed as specified as and when changes in legislation, guidance or other Trust policies, have an impact on information governance 18 Policy Monitoring There will be an annual audit to ensure that the processes identified within this policy are being adhered to. This will be led by the external Auditors as part of the annual DPA audit and results fed back to the Trust Audit Committee. 19 Guidance This section is provided as best practice guidance. It is not part of the Trust policy requirements though it is recommended that staff follow it. The following section is provided as guidance in relation to the use of Social Networking / Social Media sites. Social networking sites, like Facebook, provide a useful way for people to keep in touch with friends and colleagues. However, through the open or semi-open nature of such sites, it is also possible for third parties to collate vast amounts of information. All staff should be mindful of the personal information they disclose on social networking sites, especially with regards to identify theft. Making information such as your date-of-birth, your place of work, and other personal information publicly available can be high risk in terms of identity theft. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 10 of 13

11 Social networking sites allow photographs, videos and comments to be shared with thousands of other users. However, staff should not post images of themselves depicting them at work or in work related situations. Staff members who already have a personal blog or social networking site which indicates in any way that they work at the Trust should discuss any potential conflicts of interest with their line manager and/or seek advice from the Chief Information Security & Governance Officer. When posting messages online, users need to be mindful that the right to freedom of expression attaches only to lawful conduct. Information shared through social networking sites, even on private sites, may still be subject to copyright, Data Protection, Freedom of Information and other legislation. All members of staff should be aware that, even if they believe that they are using these sites with enhanced privacy settings applied, this does not exempt them from the guidelines that are outlined in this policy or from their legal obligations. Be aware that what you put on-line can have wider implications. For example, posting pictures of yourself drinking could influence other peoples view of you. 20 Social Networking Do s and Don ts Do have a clear understanding of what you are using your on-line presence for. Do learn the rules of each type of site before engaging. Do use approved sites to promote the work of the Trust and enhance opportunities for our clients to communicate with us. Do use social networking sites to keep in contact with friends and colleagues. Do remember who you are talking to E.g. on Facebook you are sharing information with Friends on Twitter you are sharing information with Everybody. Do verify friend requests and not just accept everyone. Do check your privacy settings and know what you are allowing other to access about you. The default settings on sites such as twitter and Facebook allow various types of content to be shared beyond your network of friends. Do remember that everybody is different, what may be funny to you may be offensive to someone else. Do use strong passwords to access your accounts. An example of a strong password is: Pr0tect1on. (don t use this example as your password). Don t access personal social networking site during employed hours for nonbusiness purposes. Don t make disparaging comments about the Trust organisation, its clients or fellow employees. If you wouldn t say it to the persons face don t say it on social media. Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 11 of 13

12 Don t make remarks that may embarrass the Trust. In particular do not air your grievances where countless others might be able to read them. Don t under any circumstances, identify patients in your care, or post information that could lead to the identification of patients in your care. Don t post any sexually explicit, racially offensive, or other unlawfully discriminatory remarks. Don t share too much information about yourself. The more you post, the more others will know about you and the easier it is to steal your identity. Don t use passwords that you use for social media to access banking or shopping sites keep them different. 21 Further Information Further information on the application and implementation of this policy within the organisation is available from the Chief Information Security & Governance Officer 22 Professional Guidance Various professional guidance relating to the use of social media has been developed by regulatory bodies. These can be accessed by following the links below: British Medical Association may2011.pdf Royal College Of Nursing - us/rcn_publications Nursing and Midwifery Council - data/assets/pdf_file/0008/272195/ pdf General Medical Council - Cabinet Office - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/62 361/Social_Media_Guidance.pdf NHS Employers - NHS Connecting For Health - working.pdf g.pdf Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 12 of 13

13 23 Appendix A - Staff Signature Sheet Social Media Acceptable Use Policy This sheet should be used to record the names of staff members who have read and understood the above policy document. Name (please print) Job Title Date Signature Policy Title: Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Page 13 of 13

Introduction Throughout this Policy, the words Translink Company and/or the Group refer to all corporate entities under the ownership of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC). This includes

[Example] Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Overview The [agency] recognises that there are legitimate business and personal reasons for using social media at work or using corporate computing resources.

EASTNOR PAROCHIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY Inspire and Achieve Introduction This document sets out the guidance on social networking and aims to: Set clear expectations of behaviour

Information Management Advice 57 Sample Social Media Acceptable Use Policy Overview The [agency] recognises that there are legitimate business and personal reasons for using social media at work or using

Page 1 of 7 Alveston CofE Primary School has adopted this policy from the Local Authority. INTRODUCTION Social media includes online social forums such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and websites such

Social and Digital Media Policy October 2012 Version 1.0 Statement of legislative compliance This document has been drafted to comply with the general and specific duties in the Equality Act 2010; Data

1. Introduction 1.1 The widespread use of social media, particularly social networking sites, necessitates Blackpool has a policy in place to ensure that appropriate control mechanisms exist to minimise

Social Media in the Workplace A Guide for CWU Members CWU Youth Committee 2013 CONTENTS Introduction... 3 Social Networking in Ireland... 4 Guidelines for using Social Media Responsibly... 5 2 INTRODUCTION

Sussex Downs College: Policy for personal use of Social Networking and third party websites Introduction This policy sets out the principles which Sussex Downs College staff and students are expected to

VOLUNTEER SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY AND PROCEDURE. 1. Introduction 1.1. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is committed to making the best use of all available technology and innovation to improve

Huddersfield New College Further Education Corporation Policy for Personal Use of Social Networking and Third Party Websites 1.0 Introduction 1.1 This policy sets out the principles that Huddersfield New

1 Southbank International School: Abstract The Policy seeks to provide support and guidance to social media users who are associated with the School (employees, students), and who establish and maintain

Policy Statement It is the policy of the to encourage clear and effective communication with all Nova Scotians using a variety of accepted tools, including social media. Social media is helping government

Warwickshire Education Services Policy on Staff/Governor Use of Social Networking and Internet Sites January 2014 Warwickshire County Council Policy on Staff/Governor Use of Social Networking and Internet

Networking and Social Media Policy 1 Objectives This policy sets out the Millfields Community School policy on social networking. New technologies are an integral part of our lives and are powerful tools

HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES & PROCEDURES Policy title Application IT systems and social networking policy All employees and students CONTENTS PAGE Introduction and scope 2 General points 2 Authorisation to

Feltonfleet School Social Networking Policy Introduction Objectives This policy sets out Feltonfleet School s policy on social networking. New technologies are an integral part of our lives and are powerful

DISTRICT COUNCIL OF LOXTON WAIKERIE Social Media Policy Policy Identification: Adoption Date: 20 April 2012 Last Review: 17 April 2015 Next Review Date: April 2017 Every 2 years Responsible Officer(s):

The British Academy of Management s Website and Social Media Policy The creation of management knowledge through research and its dissemination through teaching and application The British Academy of Management

Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department NUMBER SECTION CHIEF OF POLICE EFFECTIVE REVIEW DATE 2 9 1/2013 2/2013 SUBJECT SOCIAL MEDIA GENERAL The department endorses the secure use of social media

Online Communication Services - TAFE NSW Code of Expected User Behaviour State of NSW, Department of Education and Training, TAFE Customer Support Copies of this document may be made for use in connection

Dear Reader, With the increasing popularity of social media you need a Social Media Policy to protect your company. It can become your biggest nightmare when employees distribute information that s not

University Schools Social Media Guidelines for Employees Purpose of Social Media Guidelines All University Schools Laboratory Employees are subject to the Ball State University Social Media Policy available

Social Media Policy Introduction to the Policy The community at Naas Community National School is aware and acknowledges that increasing numbers of adults and children are using social networking sites.

Guidance on using social media responsibly We are the nursing and midwifery regulator for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We exist to protect the health and wellbeing of the public. We set

Use of the Internet and E-Mail Policy This procedural documentsupersedes : Use of the Internet and E-Mail Policy CORP/EMP 16 v.4 Name and title of author/reviewer Samantha Francis HR Advisor Date revised

Personal use of social networking and other third party websites (including blogs, microblogs and personal web-space) This guidance note should be read in conjunction with BBC Editorial Guidelines, the

UW SCHOOL OF NURSING Seattle Campus SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY AND GUIDELINES Adopted: September 26, 2011 BACKGROUND Social networking sites can be an effective way to keep in touch with colleagues; in medical

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) is responsible for registering people who work in social services and regulating their education and training. Our role is to raise standards of practice, strengthen

Giffards Primary School Social Networking Policy This policy was developed in the Autumn term 2010 through a process of consultation Agreed by Governors January 2011 Review Date January 2012 1 Introduction

SOCIAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA GUIDELINES Brisbane Boys College is committed to effective dissemination of information and communication within the organisation and with BBC community members - staff, students,

Staff Use of Social Media Policy Printed copies must not be considered the definitive version DOCUMENT POLICY NO. 11 CONTROL Policy Group Information Governance and Security Author John Version No. 3.0

Social Networking Policy Weston Park Primary School has adopted Southampton City Council s model HR Policies and Procedures. Date of last review: July 2014 Date of next review: July 2016 Social Networking

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust TRUST POLICY E-COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERNET USE (including mobile phones and social networking) Any hard copy of this document is only assured to be accurate

Communications 01: Social Media Policy: To communicate the Network s mission publicly, to inform and engage the community regarding the Network s activities, and to establish appropriate and professional

Acceptable Use of Information Systems Standard Guidance for all staff 2 Equipment security and passwords You are responsible for the security of the equipment allocated to, or used by you, and must not

CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY February 2013 I. PURPOSE The department endorses the secure use of social media to enhance communication, collaboration, and information

The guidance 2 Guidance on professional conduct for nursing and midwifery students Your guide to practice The Nursing & Midwifery Council Vision, mission and values Our vision To safeguard the public by

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians About this document Registration as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician carries obligations as well as privileges. It requires you to: develop and

UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS EMAIL POLICY November 2005 I Introduction 1. Email is an important method of communication for University business, and carries the same weight as paper-based communications. The

Penrice Academy Acceptable Use Policy for Mobile Digital Devices including ipads September 2014 Date of Review: May 2015 Introduction Penrice Academy ( The Academy ) may grant a licence to use ipads or

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY POLICY St Example s School RATIONALE: At St Example s we provide guidelines to all parents, staff and students on the use of electronic media e-mail, internet, intranet, facsimile, phone

Social media and employment law do s and don ts August 2014 @heenanrachael @capsticksllp Social Media Today s Session Social Media HR Hotspots Recruitment and social media What the Tribunals think Managing

King David Primary School Staff Social Networking Policy This policy should be read in conjunction with other relevant policies e.g. school ICT Policy including acceptable or unacceptable usage, Disciplinary

Related Policies Copyright Media Usage Offshore Data Hosting Privacy Web Publishing Purpose Policy Computer facilities and external networks are made available as resources for use by students in Catholic

APPENDIX H Sheffield City Council Social Networking Policy Publication Date: July 2015 Author: HR Service SCC HR Service 15/07 1 Document Control Organisation Sheffield City Council Title Social Networking

Cyber-bullying The rapid development of, and widespread access to, technology has provided a new medium for virtual bullying, which can occur in or outside school. Cyber-bullying is a different form of

Guidance on staff use of Social Media Introduction Social networking through the use of Internet-based and other electronic social media tools is integrated into everyday life. Use of Facebook, LinkedIn,

Guidance on professional conduct For nursing and midwifery students 1 We are the nursing and midwifery regulator for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Islands. We exist to safeguard the

Social Media Policy November 2013 Also available in large print (16pt) and electronic format. Ask Student Services for details. www.perth.uhi.ac.uk Perth College is a registered Scottish charity, number

Information Governance Policy 1 Introduction Healthwatch Rutland (HWR) needs to collect and use certain types of information about the Data Subjects who come into contact with it in order to carry on its

LARKS HILL JUNIOR & INFANT SCHOOL Social Media Policy Written: Reviewed Autumn Term 2015 Larks Hill J & I School Social Media Policy 1. Introduction For the purposes of this policy, social media refers

To ensure the functioning of the site, we use cookies. We share information about your activities on the site with our partners and Google partners: social networks and companies engaged in advertising and web analytics. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Google Privacy &amp Terms.
Your consent to our cookies if you continue to use this website.